Treatment

There are various approaches to treating cancer, many of which involve combinations of therapies to provide the most effective treatment

Your doctor should discuss treatment options with you and explain the benefits and risks involved. Following is an overview of some cancer treatments. For information about treating specific cancers, see types of cancer.

Chemotherapy

One of the most common cancer treatment methods.

Radiation therapy

Being prepared and understanding radiation therapy can help lessen the stress surrounding your treatment.

Surgery

Know what to expect with cancer surgery.

Complementary therapy

Therapies used alongside conventional medicine to help improve cancer patients' quality of life.

Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy may also be called endocrine therapy or hormone-blocking therapy.

Immunotherapy

Helps your body's own immune system attack cancer cells.

Clinical trials

A clinical trial is a study that compares responses to different interventions in real settings

Palliative care

Treatment to improve quality of life.

Targeted therapy

A drug treatment that attacks specific features of cancer cells.

Learn more about your treatment options for advanced cancer

Advanced cancer means your cancer has spread or returned (recur) after treatment and is unlikely to be cured. Sometimes people’s cancer may be advanced when they are first diagnosed.

Find out more about end-of-life care

If you have cancer diagnosed at a late stage, or treatment has stopped working, you may be told that the cancer is terminal or end stage. Maintaining quality of life is important and supportive care is available during this time.

quicklinks

What is cancer?

Common cancer symptoms

Causes and prevention

Downloadable resources

Many people find they need support after treatment ends